As an elected official, those who serve have immense responsibility to serve and protect the community they represent. Springfield’s mayor, Debbie Wakefield, uses her responsibilities to enact positive change within her community.

Wakefield, a lifelong resident of Springfield, is a 1984 graduate of St. Dominic School and a 1988 graduate of Washington County High School. She took office as Springfield’s mayor in January 2015 and said it’s an honor serving a place she’s lived and loved all her life.

It was the beginning of a new season for the Washington County Commanders baseball team on Friday, March 3, and it started out just as everyone hoped: with a win. The Commanders took on Hart County in pre-season play and came away with a 9-3 win. Head coach Adam Blair was pleased with how his team performed against the host Raiders.

“The game went well for our first time stepping on the field against another team,” Blair said.

The Springfield Tourism Commission and the Springfield City Council met in a joint session on Monday, Feb. 27, in the Opera House conference room to discuss the future of the career center in Washington County.

Springfield City Administrator Laurie Smith is no stranger to the long hours or difficulties that come with being a community leader.

In fact, her hard work and perseverance are a big reason why Springfield has been able to build a farmers market, renovate the Opera House, and transform the Robertson building into a residential and commercial space.

According to the Washington County Board of Education, there are things parents can do now that will help their kids later on down the road as they prepare for preschool.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Simpson and Paula Turner, assistant director of special education, said engaging young children on a deeper level will help better prepare them for preschool and kindergarten.

“We love the how and why questions,” Turner said. “Because that makes them think beyond a simple answer.”

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the numerous achievements made by African Americans in this country. Many dedicated their lives to the betterment of their communities on a national scale, but there are those who served at the local level.

In Washington County, a name recognized by many is George Melwood Hocker.

Success is always something to savor and enjoy. For the Washington County softball team, coming off its most successful season ever last year, expectations are high for head coach Christy Baker and her players, and confidence is growing for the upcoming season.

As this crazy weather season moves into March, high school baseball follows soon after at Washington County High School. For head coach Adam Blair, he expects his team to heat up very quickly this season.

Blair enters his third season as coach of the Commander baseball team. During his time as coach, the team has won two consecutive district championships and has been successful in district play, posting a 17-3 district record last season. For obvious reasons, Blair says he expects more of the same this year.